Q. Explain the role of rewards and recognition in building the right kind of trust among the employees?
A. Both rewards and recognition are very important when it comes to retaining the existing employees and attracting the best talent. I do not understand why organisations fail to recognise the efforts of their employees. It comes at no cost but instils a lot of pride and confidence in them. And, if the organisation has benefited from the contribution of the employee, there is absolutely no harm in sharing the spoils.
Q. How does an organisation like yours, rich in manpower resources, take care of the career development of its employees?
A. In the real estate sector, the training is primarily on the job instead of focused learning sessions. We have had cases where an entry-level sales executive has reached top managerial position owing to his or her stellar performance. The growth opportunities are limitless and commiserate with the talent and enthusiasm one has, coupled with the results he or she has been able to bring in, besides the future potential (in terms of what he or she could bring in the days to come) in the larger business interest of the organisation.
Q. Please throw some light on the work environment and culture of your firm.
A. It is the people that make an organisation and therefore the role of an employee can never be underestimated. Ours is a customer-centric organisation. Along with this, there is a lot of emphasis on corporate social responsibilities, which is regarded the human face of the organisation.
Not to forget the channel orientation because it is the channels that helps us reach out to the customer. The job roles are clearly defined and we reward performance at every level.
Q. What are your views on the employer branding through social media and digital platforms?
A. Radio took 38 years to reach 50 million users, television took 13 years, Internet took 4 years and iPod took three years, but Facebook added 100 million users in just 9 months. Almost 25 lakh new users sign up every day on Facebook around the world. Of the 25 largest newspapers, 24 of them are experiencing record decline in circulations. People no longer search for products; the products find them via social media. Kids spend more time on YouTube than on television. Being a bi-directional medium, it allows people to communicate both ways. One cannot afford to ignore it
Q. On a personal note, how do you maintain a work-life balance?
A. Well, it is tough to manage at times but somehow I have learned to maintain a work-life balance. I am seldom known as ‘not available’ by my colleagues and family – be it any hour of the day or any day of the week. I do not believe in waiting for things to happen. I make them happen.
Q. Is it safe to say that yours is a rags-to-riches story?
A. It is not exactly a rags-to-riches story. I went to Belgium for my post graduation because I could afford it. At the same time, not everything has been hunky dory. I have had my share of highs and lows and learnt my lessons the hard way. I started my career as an executive with a firm and today I am president of a company; it says a lot about the toil I have put in. Here my role is not only limited to realty but in diverse functions like hospitality, entertainment & media (films), fashion, power projects, education, textiles etc.
Q. What is the greatest quality in a human being that you value? Who has been your mentor?
A. The greatest human value is integrity and I expect the same from everyone I work with or interact. I had a very early learning from my father (Nawab Hassan Usmani), where through small things like buying groceries for the house, he would put me forward to negotiate always. I am really thankful to my father for inculcating this character in me. In the industry, I have always learned from all the bosses I have worked under but if I have to mention anyone, I really look up to Dr. Kunal Banerji, whom I take as my mentor.
